FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup 2022 begins in India
The FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup 2022 started on October 11, 2022. FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup India 2022 is the 7th edition of the tournament in which 16 teams including India are participating.
It is being organized in Bhubaneswar, Goa, and Navi Mumbai from October 11 to 30, 2022. Its mascot is 'Ibha' which is an Asiatic lioness and the slogan of the tournament is 'Kick off the dream'.
FIFA tournament
Organized by FIFA, the FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cup is the world championship for female players aged 17 or younger. This event started in 2008.
The sixth edition of the event was held in Uruguay from 13 November to 1 December 2018. Spain is the current champion of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup. North Korea is the tournament's most successful country, having won two titles since its inception in 2008.
The FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup 2022 is a football tournament that showcases the talent and potential of young female players from around the world. The tournament is hosted by India from October 11 to 30, 2022, in three venues across three states: Bhubaneswar, Goa and Navi Mumbai. This is the first time that India is hosting a FIFA women's football tournament and the second time that India is hosting a FIFA tournament after the men's FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2017.
The tournament features 16 teams from six confederations, divided into four groups of four teams each. The top two teams from each group advance to the quarter-finals, followed by the semi-finals, the third-place match and the final. The defending champions are Spain, who beat Mexico in the final of the previous edition in Uruguay in 2018. Spain are also tied with North Korea as the most successful team in the history of the competition with two titles each.
India, who qualified for the tournament as hosts, are making their debut appearance at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup. They are placed in Group A along with Brazil, USA, and Morocco. India will face USA in their opening match on October 11 at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar. The other teams in Group A are Brazil and Morocco, who will also play their first match on the same day at the same venue.
Group B consists of Germany, Nigeria, Chile and New Zealand. Germany are one of the favourites to win the tournament, having won it once in 2014 and finished as runners-up twice in 2008 and 2016. Nigeria are the only African team to have reached the final of the tournament, which they did in 2010 and 2014. Chile and New Zealand are both looking for their first win at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, having participated in three and four editions respectively.
Group C features Spain, Colombia, Mexico, and China. Spain are aiming to become the first team to win three consecutive titles at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, having won it in 2018 and 2020. Colombia are making its second appearance at the tournament, after finishing fourth in 2010. Mexico are also returning for the second time, after reaching the final in 2018. China are one of the most experienced teams at the tournament, having participated in five editions so far.
Group D comprises Japan, Tanzania, Canada and France. Japan are another strong contender for the title, having won it in 2014 and finished as runners-up in 2010 and 2016. Tanzania are making their debut at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, as well as being the first team from East Africa to qualify for any FIFA women's tournament. Canada are participating for their fifth time at the tournament, having reached the quarter-finals twice in 2008 and 2012. France are also appearing for their fifth time, having finished third in 2012 and fourth in 2018.
The FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup 2022 is a great opportunity for young female players to showcase their skills and passion for football on a global stage. It is also a chance for fans to witness some exciting matches and discover some future stars of women's football. The tournament promises to be a celebration of football, culture and diversity in India.
